“Unfortunately, the main problem of the Greek Cypriot side is that they perceive Cyprus and the seas surrounding the island as their own and define them their own areas of sovereignty. They do not want to share or even discuss these issues with the Turkish Cypriots” said President Mustafa Akıncı.

President Akıncı has said that there should not be much more delay to opening these checkpoints. He added that there is 3 km of road in Aplıç, South Cyprus, which should be asphalted, and said that if works on the road are completed within three months, both border checkpoints can be opened simultaneously.

Speaking at the TRNC Assembly during discussions on the budget, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Kudret Özersay said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a project to encourage the return of the Turkish Cypriots living abroad to the TRNC, and added that the project will be shared with the public […]

Readers mail………. Ministry of Public Works and Transport Maintenance Work launched on the Çatalköy-Değirmenlik Road (Girne mountain road) on 5th March 2018 has been completed. Starting from tomorrow (13.03.2018), the temporary usage limitation, implemented since 5th March 2018, will be lifted.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Kudret Özersay evaluated issues pertaining to the Cyprus problem and natural gas on the island, in an interview with Reuters published over the weekend.

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TRNC News 27.11.17 President Akinci meets with Turkish Cypriot diaspora in the UK

Akıncı: “It was very clear who prevented us from reaching a solution, but the reports which followed the negotiations did not express this fact clearly”

On Thursday evening, President Akıncı visited Wood Green, a North London suburb with a prominent Turkish Cypriot community, where he held a conference on seeking sustainable solutions to the Cyprus issue. The event took place as part of the President’s wider scheduled visit to meet and engage with members of the extensive Turkish Cypriot diaspora in the UK.

During his speech, President Akıncı gave a detailed assessment of recent developments on the Cyprus issue, taking the view that neither the United Nations, the European Union nor the United Kingdom had held the TRNC responsible for the failure to reach a settlement during the ongoing negotiations. The President also referred to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ Cyprus report, commenting that it had unfairly placed responsibility for the failed negotiations equally on both sides. “It was very clear who prevented us from reaching a solution, but the reports which followed the negotiations did not express this fact clearly.”

“A very serious shift in mentality is needed on the part of the Greek Cypriot side,” Akıncı continued. “Greek Cypriots have always had difficulties in sharing power with us and since 1963, there has been a Greek Cypriot Administration which has usurped an officially recognized state and become the sole proprietor of the Republic of Cyprus.”

Akıncı also stated that the Turkish Cypriot side did not wish to prolong an unsuccessful negotiating process and proposed that any further negotiations must be result-oriented and restricted by deadlines in a comprehensive package format. The President also called upon the UK to reinstate direct flights between the UK and the TRNC.

Emphasising that the TRNC will also participate in international law in an atmosphere where peace and a fair settlement prevail, Akıncı said: “This is not our responsibility alone. This can be brought about through the contributions of others and our good will. I will state unequivocally that we do not intend to give up our fundamental rights and freedoms to achieve this.”

The President further outlined the TRNC’s three priorities, “First is our freedom – we will not be dominated by anyone. Second is our political equality. Third is our security.”

The Conference was followed by a reception where the President also met with representatives of the Turkish Cypriot community and Turkish Cypriot NGOs in the UK.

Source: TRNC Public Information Office –

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Pictures shown are courtesy of the TRNC Public Information Office Facebook page.